Ireland boosted by returning players

Ireland have been boosted by the return to fitness of key squad members ahead of their two match ODI series against Pakistan next month.

Niall O’Brien, Craig Young and Boyd Rankin return after missing Ireland's most recent series against Afghanistan.

reland Head Coach John Bracewell said: “It’s great to have an almost full strength squad to choose from,

“The bowling unit performed superbly against Afghanistan with the younger seamers in particular putting their hands up. The return of Boyd and Craig adds to that department and gives us plenty of options which is exactly what a coach wants.

“The return of Niall adds experience to the top order. We tried a few different permutations with the batting order last week – some of which worked and some which didn’t. Ed Joyce was obviously the stand-out performer in his new role as opener, and it was great to see Gary Wilson return to form.

“It should be a fantastic series – there’s a great recent history between the two countries with some great matches over the past decade, and I’m certain it’ll be two tough games when we meet in Dublin next month.”

Ireland will remember when O’Brien’s 72 helped them to victory over Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup.

The last series between the two sides on Irish soil ended in a stalemate after Ireland won the opener but lost the second match in 2013.

IRELAND SQUAD
William Porterfield (Captain) (Warwickshire), John Anderson (Merrion/Leinster Lightning), Peter Chase (Malahide/Leinster Lightning),  Ed Joyce (Sussex), Tim Murtagh (Middlesex), Andy McBrine (Donemana/NW Warriors), Barry McCarthy (Durham), Kevin O’Brien (Leicestershire/Leinster Lightning), Niall O’Brien (Leicestershire), Stuart Poynter (Durham), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Gary Wilson (Surrey), Craig Young (Bready/NW Warriors).

Fixtures
18th August Ireland v Pakistan (1st ODI) Malahide   (10.45am)
20th August Ireland v Pakistan (2nd ODI) Malahide (10.45 am)